GreenGestalt – I do like the artwork… I agree with similarities to “modern” movies like Star Wars.

]]>By: GreenGestalthttps://www.blackgate.com/2017/08/17/galaxy-science-fiction-november-1953-a-retro-review/#comment-238765
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 20:42:48 +0000https://www.blackgate.com/?p=230285#comment-238765I like that screen. Doesn’t it remind you of Star Wars – the rebel base as they were preparing for the run on the Death Star? No, not accusing Mr. Lucas of plagiarism, but it sounds like a tribute. Anyone notice all the Valerian stuff done before Star Wars the first movie? But Star Wars was a tribute to classic “Space opera” science fiction and restarted the Genre.

On “Mr. President” – never read it, but have to check it out from Internet Archive.

That’s one thing strongly missing today. Oh, they might be able to make sure the crews are “Diverse” and all the PC stuff – won’t go there, don’t want to get foaming at the mouth today…

But now and again is a nice idea for how things could be run better – in an ideal or at least less un-ideal world. I don’t mean more “Diverse” or whatever, but fairer, better to live in. That’s a classic staple of science fiction.

Personally I’d re-work our government so that there were strict rules on personal finance for civil servants and elected officials. Essentially making it impossible for a person in office to profit from it in any way. They get a good salary (so no desperation to tempt) but harsh penalties for any personal profiteering – no ‘speaking tour’ unless they’d rather spend their free time that way – the monies go to charities they have no hand in.

Random democracy is a good extrapolation of this – people could not setup profit from an office because they’d find themselves suddenly thrust into it – their lives on hold – but the shame alone of messing up, also the real social and legal consequences, keeps them on their toes and using 100% of their abilities to do their best – then they happily return to civilian life and it’s a “Granddaddy” – that picture in your den – you were President for a month!? Wow!

A science fiction story is a good way to put something like that out, versus a long, boring political screed. When I start writing science fiction (busy with historical and Sword and Sorcery project as of now) I’ll put in my visions for what a good future could be along with ideas for government, etc. The challenge will be to wrap them up in a good story so it’s just not a big political typing bit.

]]>By: Major Woottonhttps://www.blackgate.com/2017/08/17/galaxy-science-fiction-november-1953-a-retro-review/#comment-238757
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 17:08:24 +0000https://www.blackgate.com/?p=230285#comment-238757Nice survey of the issue. Would you like to add the names of the artists?
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